The 2025 T20 Asia Cup will be unlike any other, with the top two run-scorers for both India and Pakistan set to miss the tournament. For India, Rohit Sharma (4,231 runs) and Virat Kohli (4,188 runs) have already retired from T20 internationals, while Pakistan’s selectors made the bold call to omit Babar Azam (4,223 runs) and Mohammad Rizwan (3,414 runs) from their 17-member squad announced on Sunday.Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, will play a preparatory tri-series against Afghanistan and UAE in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7 before the Asia Cup begins in the Emirates on September 9. The team management’s decision to leave out two of Pakistan’s most successful modern-day batters has sparked major debate, given that Babar and Rizwan were central to Pakistan’s famous 10-wicket win over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Their last T20I appearances came in December 2024.Chief selector Aaqib Javed backed the new-look squad, stressing confidence in their ability to challenge India. “This team has the ability to beat India in the Asia Cup. Every player understands the magnitude of an India-Pakistan clash, but we don’t need to add extra pressure,” he said.Head coach Mike Hesson explained the decision regarding Babar, pointing out areas for improvement. “Babar has been asked to work on his strike rate and handling spin. He’s too good a player not to consider in the future, and playing in leagues like the BBL could help him showcase those improvements,” Hesson noted.
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Despite recent series defeats to Bangladesh and West Indies, Pakistan remain optimistic. Hesson highlighted Sahibzada Farhan’s emergence, noting his three Player-of-the-Match awards in just six games as a sign of promise.Pakistan will face India, UAE, and Oman in Group A of the eight-team Asia Cup, which concludes on September 28. India’s squad is yet to be announced, adding intrigue to one of cricket’s most anticipated rivalries.Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim. India squad: Yet to be announced